Castroneves Enjoys First Taste of F1

IRL driver Helio Castroneves had a taste of driving a Formula One car today, when he tested with the Toyota team at Circuit Paul Ricard.

The Brazilian driver was invited by Toyota for an evaluation session, and despite his claims that he will remain in IRL next year, Castroneves is still seen as a potential candidate for Toyota's second F1 seat next year.

Castroneves drove the TF102 on the French circuit, and he completed 75 laps during the day. No times were released by Toyota.

"I loved every single second of today's session," the Brazilian said at the end of the day. "I did quite a few laps, doing some long runs as well as some qualifying laps. This was my first time in a Formula One car and I was impressed by how easy the TF102 was to drive, and especially by the braking. The team were great and worked professionally and I am very happy with the overall organisation of the day. "